Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu revealed that the Nigerian squad found it difficult to process their quarter-final loss to Cameroon at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The 1-0 defeat in Casablanca not only ended their quest to retain the title but also cost them an automatic spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Kanu shared that the morale in the camp remained extremely low more than 24 hours after the match. Many players were so devastated by the outcome that they skipped meals throughout the following day. She noted that even she struggled to eat until late in the afternoon, as the emotional toll of the loss left the team in a state of distress.
Myriam Nyadjou scored the decisive goal for Cameroon in the 19th minute. Despite Uchenna Kanu entering the match as a substitute and creating chances, the Nigerian team was unable to break through the defense led by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. Kanu expressed frustration regarding the state of the playing surface and the quality of the officiating during the contest.
While the team was visibly emotional after the final whistle, Kanu emphasized the need to move forward. The Super Falcons are now preparing for a crucial playoff match against South Africa this Thursday. This game is essential for Nigeria as they attempt to keep their streak alive, having appeared in every Women’s World Cup since 1991. Kanu stated that the squad is focused on learning from this setback and securing their path to the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
